Europe Asia News

Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, said significant progress had been made in reducing maternal and child mortality in Africa.

Kombo spoke at the high-level meeting titled “Accra Reset: Full Cycle – Making Global Development Work Again,” held in New York, United States, on September 21, 2026, as part of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Kombo said Africa had prepared a Continental Plan to protect the lives of mothers and children, adding that the plan would set measurable targets and strengthen accountability mechanisms in efforts to improve the health and well-being of mothers, newborns, children and adolescents.

As part of the “Mother Africa Calls” campaign, Kombo called on governments, development partners and the private sector to continue working with Africa to ensure that life-saving initiatives are adequately resourced and effectively implemented.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of countries in the Global South building their own capacities, strengthening health systems and increasing the production of essential goods, including medicines.

Mahama also praised President Samia for her leadership of the Mother Africa Initiative, saying the initiative brings together public policy and private sector accountability to improve maternal and child health.